Virginia’s Peaks of Otter Lodge Opens July 15

The new concessionaire operating the Peaks of Otter Lodge and Restaurant on the Blue Ridge Parkway in Virginia’s Bedford County announced Tuesday (June 4) that the facility will reopen July 15 and remain open through Dec. 15, the Roanoke Times reported.

Delaware North Cos. Parks and Resorts began booking reservations Tuesday for overnight stays and events during that five-month period. Laura Gray, a company spokeswoman, said the restaurant, gift shop and other amenities also will open July 15.

Delaware North anticipates filling about 72 seasonal jobs at the Peaks of Otter and is hiring.

The National Park Service reported in April that Delaware North had won a 10-year contract to operate the concessions at Peaks of Otter. The property, which had been open year-round since 1977, had closed in November after a previous management company opted not to renew its contract. The Park Service solicited bids for operating the facilities at milepost 86 on the parkway.

Delaware North is also beginning its first season as concessionaire at Shenandoah National Park, where it operates Big Meadows Lodge, Skyland Resort and Lewis Mountain Cabins. The privately held, international company has operated lodges, restaurants and other concessions at several national parks, including Yellowstone, Yosemite and Grand Canyon.

In April, Delaware North reported that once the lodge reopened, its season would typically run from April through November. Gray said Tuesday that it’s not yet clear what the dates will be for the 2014 season.

Pam Wightman, a human resources manager for Delaware North, said the company ultimately will fill about 72 seasonal positions at Peaks of Otter. She said she will accept applications from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Thursday at the Bedford Chamber of Commerce, 305 E. Main St. She can be contacted at pwightma@dncinc.com or by calling (540) 843-2117. The www.coolworks.com website has a Peaks of Otter listing.

Three lodge buildings at the site house a total of 63 rooms. Delaware North said it plans over time to add “modern upgrades,” which would include television and wireless Internet throughout the lodge, as well as new linens and decor in each of the guest rooms.

The company said it is developing a menu for the Peaks of Otter Restaurant, which it said “will provide a diverse range of fresh produce, healthy and sustainable food options and locally grown or sourced items.”